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World game is now in play

Craig Foster

NEW figures released by Football Federation Australia show the A-League has smashed all metrics in terms of popularity, reinforcing what we knew anecdotally - that the competition has made a massive leap forward this season.

The on-field action has captured the imagination of both the soccer community and the broader public.

Average television audiences are up close to 30 per cent, average crowds up a whopping 23 per cent, while digital online traffic numbers have increased by almost 50 per cent.

If we cast our mind back to last season, the difference in the competition's health could not be more stark.

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As David Gallop is fond of pointing out, the A-League's time has come. Whereas in the past it was often felt a catastrophe could be just around the corner, there is now a tremendous confidence that the game has a rolling momentum that is feeding off itself. This is driving more Australians to take another look at the professional domestic game.

Two elements are collaborating to place soccer as the place to be in 2013: the quality and entertainment on field, and the atmosphere in the stands.

Every week, more Aussies are attending a game of soccer and going away with a new understanding of what active participation in a game is all about. They are realising how a soccer crowd is intimately involved in the action for the full hour and a half, about the extraordinary passion of the fans and the connection they have with the players. All a stark contrast to some other sporting contests.

Soccer people, whether player or fan, recognise the same passion in another and this is a connection that feeds a unique relationship between the teams and their followers.

Just watch the Wanderers, Victory, Roar or Glory players as they linger on field to celebrate a win with the fans, or even to commiserate after a loss. This sort of atmosphere is why hundreds of thousands of fans are now flocking through the gates to feel the spirit of soccer.

Another reason for the present successes is the hard line taken to ensure the sporting experience is a pleasurable one for both players and fans. And one based on fundamental principles of equality.

The outstanding act by AC Milan's Kevin-Prince Boateng last week to walk off the field and cause a friendly match in northern Italy to be abandoned took great courage and a strong sense of justice and morality. It was a further marker for the ongoing fight against racism worldwide and a powerful message for broader society to see a star player put human values and dignity above anything else.

It was simply a great example for young people - have the courage to stand for what's right, whatever the consequences.

As the world's leading game, soccer is always the prism through which the best and worst of humanity is reflected and - while it should not be left only to a player to make such a righteous stand - it is the world game that can be seen to set an example for those outside the game to follow.

With so many federations, clubs and powerful entities having failed to be strong enough on these issues in the past, we should acknowledge the positive action taken by FFA during the recent incident of racial abuse directed at an A-League player by a spectator. This person - who could not be called a fan - was quickly banned for two years from attending any game.

Gallop rightly pointed out that as the most diverse game in Australia and one most reflective of our modern make-up, soccer has a responsibility to take the lead in this area and ensure that players and fans show respect for the rich tapestry of cultural backgrounds that represent the modern game.

This strong stance is important both to ensure that those attending a match know where they stand and to allow the game to continue to establish itself as the premier sporting experience in Australia.

Soccer is the face of the nation and it should always set the standard for others to follow.

Every sport has constant challenges along the way and the future will be no different for the A-League, but knowing what the game stands for and ensuring that it remains synonymous with the fundamental principles of diversity, multiculturalism and respect mean even more Australians will discover what makes soccer in this country exceptional.